Ebony



'Bray.' Ebony called walking into the room.

He acknowledged her with a brief nod.

'What's this I hear about an outsider getting in one of my men's faces?'

'Well…' Bray started to answer but was interrupted by Lex.

'You shoulda seen it Ebony. It was hilarious.' Lex stopped when both Bray and Ebony glared at him. 'Geez.'

Bray looked at Ebony, 'Your man threatened the children she's with.'

'Hers?' Ebony questioned.

Bray shrugged.

'Had to be…they looked just like her.' Trudy spoke up.

Bray shot her a look. He didn't want any trouble. 'They're peaceful.'

'Hmmm…' Ebony walked off with a glance at the stairs. 'We'll see.'

*The next day*

Novalee slowly walked down the stairs with the children at her side. As they walked into the eating area several eyes warily regarded them. She looked at the girl, Tai-San, who had shown them the room the night before, 'Can I use some cooking utensils?' Tai-San nodded her consent, and Novalee began gathering the utensils.

'We don't have food to spare.' Ebony stated, walking into the room breezily.

'I didn't ask for any.' Novalee replied neutrally, motioning for one of the children to hand her the pack. Quickly she had eggs and bread made for the children and served them, for herself she kept only a piece of the bread. She washed the utensils with some water she had in a bottle in her pack, pouring some for the girls, again taking none for herself.

Tai-San admonished Ebony with a look. 'Here take this.' She tried to hand Novalee a glass of water.

'No, thank you. I don't take charity.' Novalee glanced at Ebony, 'Tell your goon to back away from their food.'

'Or what?' Ebony asked, wondering how she had not noticed one of her men going for the children's food and yet the outsider had.

'Tell him.'

'No.'

Lightning fast, Novalee thrust a knife into the table where the boy was inching towards the smallest girl's food. She barely missed his finger. 'Back off.' He slowly moved away, mute with shock. 'Next time I won't miss.' Standing she placed a loving hand on each child's head, 'Eat now, chiquitas.' She turned, facing Ebony once more, 'I protect mine. That's the second time. There won't be a third.'

Ebony smirked, 'And what if there is? What if one of my goons goes after you?'

'That's different. I can defend myself…they can try all they want with me. But not my girls.'

'So they are yours.'

She nodded, 'In every way that matters.'

'Aunt NovaRona?' the biggest one called.

'Yes Melantha.' She turned to her.

'I'm all done. What should I do?'

Novalee looked around, 'Wait. We'll leave soon.'

'Why?' Bray asked. 'You're welcome here. Stay and get to know us. Give us a chance.'

'Maybe she doesn't want us to give her a chance…worried maybe she won't measure up.' Ebony declared.

Novalee raised her head, 'Maybe you and your goons are trying to run me off cuz you're worried I will.'

'Fine stay if they let you brown eyes. But know this…harm one of my men and there will be a battle between us.'

Novalee nodded, 'Fair enough. Instead of dealing with your boys, I'll deal with the source. You.'

Ebony chuckled darkly, 'I almost find myself liking you…almost. We'll see who's a match if and when the time for battle comes.'

'Yes, we will.'

Slowly Ebony left and Novalee was left staring intensely after her.